St. Tammany Parish Government and Recreation District #1, Pelican Park in Mandeville signed the final closing documents today on the $1 million purchase of a 100.387 acre portion of land from St. Tammany Parish Government. This land, which is part of the 293.86 acres the Parish purchased in March of this year, was purchased for future use by the Recreation District.

“When St. Tammany Parish Government purchased this property earlier this year, we envisioned its use for many reasons, not the least of which is to enhance the quality of life for our residents,” Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President said. “Of course it will benefit the residents we have now, but it is also for the future generations of St. Tammany — our children, and their children’s children. Pelican Park has been a good steward of this community and has enhanced the lives of both children and families through recreation and community service. This collaboration brings with it the possibility for many great things. We look forward to seeing their plans for this additional acreage.”

“We were very happy to get this property, especially with the growth we are experiencing in this community,” said Nixon Adams, Chairman, Pelican Park Board of Commissioners. “This gives us the opportunity to secure property which happens to be right next to us, and in the future we will be able to accomplish many other things. This is a perfect fit for us.”

“We definitely meet the needs of our community now, but this purchase allows us to secure green space for future generations,” said Kathy Foley, Director, Pelican Park. “This will ensure that we meet the needs of our community for years to come. This is what is most important because really, it is all about the children.”

The Recreation District will begin master planning for the property once the route for the Mandeville Bypass Road is finalized. The District will hold numerous public input meetings to determine what the community wants the property used for in years to come.

Restrictive covenants on the final contract include the use of this property for
“..youth/adult sports (whether organized or recreational); sports tournaments; athletic facilities; youth camps; public/private entertainment and events; meeting and recreational facilities; food and beverage service; trails; dog parks; skate parks; education, craft and leisure programs (whether credit and/or non-credit); hiking and recreation; shooting sports; bicycling trails and parks…” St. Tammany Parish Government has the right of First Refusal, should Pelican Park choose to sell the property in the future.

Other uses for the remainder of the parish-owned property include, the newly proposed Safe Haven, a partnership with community stakeholders and local service providers to create a coordinated behavioral health system to serve St. Tammany Parish and the surrounding region, the St. Tammany Parish mitigation bank, and the Mandeville Bypass road, a joint endeavor with the St. Tammany Parish, the City of Mandeville and Pelican Park.